Happy New Year

I hope that all of you had a great Christmas. Mine was not bad. I didn't go home to Texas because I was just too tired after working so much during the first few weeks of December. I did get to talk to my family...and my youngest nephew and niece loved their presents...so all is well.

I also hope that you all have a very safe and Happy New Year. Looking back and reflecting on the past year is always a great thing to do at the start of every new year. On a personal note, this past year has definitely been one of tremendous changes in many, many ways. First of course is the move to Alabama from Texas. This was a huge "leap" for me and so far it has worked out well. I am enjoying it here in Alabama, although it is definitely not home, nor do I intend to stay here longer than a couple of years. I really do enjoy my job, my co-workers, and the general group of people that I have met. The church that I attend is definitely "different" than I am accustomed to, but that's not a bad thing if you ask me.

There have been people this year who have come in and out of my life. For one reason or another, I have lost contact with a few friends whom I used to be pretty close to. Part of it is my fault, part of it is simply the case of people growing apart, and other stuff...I simply don't know. I realize that I am not always the easiest person in the world to get along with, but really, who is? We all have our quirks and unique personalities. However, to anyone reading this that I may have offended or upset this year, or at any time, I do sincerely apologize. I am trying to do my best to make it and at times, like anyone else, I struggle.

This year also brought me my near death. Believe me when I say that THAT put me in a whole new mindset on some things. These past couple of months, I really haven't worried over some of the petty things that I used to. Life is too short to let the small things eat at you and I have done better and in the new year will continue to strive to better myself in these things. Yes, there may be moments that I stumble, and yes I will be upset with myself when I do, but the important thing in life, if you ask me, is not that you get to the mountain-top....but it's the journey along the way.

With that being said, life IS indeed a journey and I believe that it is our responsibility to sit back every now and then and enjoy the view. The most gorgeous views from a mountain are not always at its peak or summit. Sometimes they come along the way.

I hope and pray that you all have a safe, wonderful and happy new year. I go in for my next surgery on January 2nd. It's pretty routine but please, keep that (and the surgery on the 8th) in your prayers. I would appreciate it very much.

Hope to hear from you all soon!

~God Bless~
Greg

A Mixed Bag of News

Hey Guys....sorry for the long delays in postings. Belive me when I tell you that I have been absolutely SWAMPED! I came back to work on November 28 and went right into it with full force. I am working anywhere between 70 and 90 hours a week right now.

One would think that right after Christmas season I would be able to finally relax. WRONG!! haha I went back to the doctor on Thursday and my last set of blood tests were fine. This means that on January 2, I am going in to have the stint taken out of my liver. At the same time, the doctor is going to do an EKG on me. Then, on January 8, I am going back in for a biopsy of my liver. Essentially the doctor is going to cut out a portion of my liver and run some tests on it. He is also doing some tests on my thyroid. So I am not out of the woods yet in the whole medical ordeal but things seem to be looking up. He is also going to test me for anemia at one of those two visits.

Other than that, life is getting back to normal. I was planning on going home for New Year's to see my family and my best friend and his wife who will be in town, but with the surgery scheduled for the 2nd, that may not be possible with my work schedule. We shall see.

Well, I really have no other news. I hope and pray that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas season and that you are thoroughly enjoying it. I hope that all of you also have a wonderful and safe New Year.

Please feel free to call and email me. I hope to hear from you soon!

~God Bless~
Greg